The local chapter of Baseball Writers of America announced its award-winners today.

Outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, who signed a seven-year, $80-million contract last week, was named Player of Year.
Ubaldo Jimenez won Pitcher of the Year. Jhoulys Chacin received Rookie of the Year honors with Clint Barmes the Good Guy winner for his cooperation with the press.

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Jason Giambi.

Not only is Jason Giambi back on a one-year, $1-million minor-league deal, but he has a real chance to make the Rockies. General manager Dan O’Dowd spoke with colleague Jim Armstrong today, spelling out how Giambi could stick with the club despite a glut of backup first basemen. He did this while finishing a two-year, $6.6-million deal with reliever Matt Lindstrom that includes a club option for his first year of free ageny in 2013.

The key? The Rockies are prepared to go with four outfielders — Carlos Gonzalez, Dexter Fowler, Seth Smith and Ryan Spilborghs — which could free up a roster spot for a slugging pinch-hitter like Giambi. This is possible because Ty Wigginton can play the corner outfield spots and Jon Herrera, the Rockies believe, can move out to left field in a pinch.

The Rockies pulled off another mild surprise today, signing reliever Matt Lindstrom to a two-year deal with a club option in his first year of free agency in 2013.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.